• BlameThePeacock@lemmy.ca
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    5 months ago

    I hate the “gallons of water are used” statistics because water is a completely renewable resource if managed properly, and mostly it’s managed properly these days since we realized it was a problem if we didn’t.

    What exactly do you plan to use the extra water for if we stop using it for beef? Most if it is used to water the feed crops that cows eat, so what do you plan to use those farms for instead?

    Is there a plant that grows in those same areas that’s currently too expensive because of a lack of land? Most of the expensive fruits/vegetables these days are expensive because of the labour involved in harvesting/processing them not due to a lack of cheaper land.

    • BCsven@lemmy.ca
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      5 months ago

      Because of pollutants, forever chemicals, and other drains in the water table fresh water is cinsidered a limited resource.

    • usernamesAreTricky@lemmy.ml
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      5 months ago

      The feed is often enough in places like the American west where water is sarce and shouldn’t have been drawn in the first place

      Feed crops like alfalfa are some of the most water intensive crops to grow on that land

      • BlameThePeacock@lemmy.ca
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        5 months ago

        and yet it’s the most profitable plant to grow on that land, or the farmers would be growing something else.

        Kinda makes you think there aren’t any other better options…

        • usernamesAreTricky@lemmy.ml
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          5 months ago

          That’s very circular logic. It’s only profitable because the beef and dairy industry. There are other crops grown in those areas too